Romanian Waters Chief Removed After Illegal Gravel Pit Scandal

Romania's Environment Minister Diana Buzoianu has dismissed the head of Romanian Waters, Doru Cazan, citing a major scandal involving illegal gravel extraction. The decision follows the discovery of two large illegal gravel pits in Olt county, with one estimated to be 75 hectares and the other 25 hectares.

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We do not turn a blind eye to illegalities. People who did not see the largest illegal gravel pit cannot be rewarded with new positions.

Investigations revealed that the state suffered a prejudice of at least 10 million lei, primarily from undeclared gravel. Minister Buzoianu highlighted that the 75-hectare site had not been previously inspected by the Olt Basin Administration. "We do not turn a blind eye to illegalities," Buzoianu stated, emphasizing that individuals who failed to act against such blatant violations, visible even from the air, should not be rewarded with new positions.

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The prejudice for Romanians: at least 10 million lei just from undeclared gravel. At the 75-hectare gravel pit, no prior inspections had been carried out by the Olt Basin Administration.

The minister specifically criticized Cazan's decision to renew the mandate of a local administrator who allegedly failed to detect or report the illegal operations. Buzoianu considered this a "red line," arguing that bureaucratic procedures should not shield or reward those who have ignored illegal activities for years. She stated that while Cazan had promised internal audits and merit-based selection processes, these commitments had not led to effective measures.

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For me, regardless of who the director general of Romanian Waters is, rewarding, behind bureaucratic procedures without substance, people who have turned a blind eye to illegalities for years is a red line.

"I promised Romanians that we will be different. That when we find illegalities, there will be consequences, not gifts," Buzoianu declared. She confirmed she had discussed the matter with Cazan, stressing that integrity principles are non-negotiable. The minister thanked Cazan for his service but affirmed her commitment to accountability and change within the institution.

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I promised Romanians that we will be different. That when we find illegalities, there will be consequences, not gifts.